Monday, October 27, 2025
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Katie Lee

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Founder of Wendy’s FreshAi Joins Presto as Co-Founder and President of Presto IQ

by Katie Lee

San Carlos, Calif. — Presto, the company that pioneered drive-thru Voice AI, has tapped Michael Chorey, the founder of Wendy’s FreshAi, to join the company in order to build Presto IQ, the first AI-native dynamic data offering for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. In this role, Chorey will work with Presto to grow its drive-thru Voice AI platform and lead the development of the new Presto IQ business unit. Chorey is widely recognized for pioneering AI experiences that are both operationally sound and emotionally intelligent. Presto IQ will integrate dynamic …

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Newspeopleretailers

Target Selects Current COO to be Next CEO

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Target Corporation’s board of directors has unanimously elected Michael Fiddelke, chief operating officer, to succeed Brian Cornell as chief executive officer and become a member of its board of directors. Cornell will transition to the role of executive chair of the board of directors. Both appointments are effective Feb. 1, 2026. During his 20-year career at Target, Fiddelke has been instrumental in building many of the company’s core strengths, holding leadership roles across merchandising, finance, operations and human resources. As chief operating officer, and previously chief financial officer, …

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Dog Haus to Open First Location in Florida

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Dog Haus will soon make its Florida debut. The California-born concept has signed an area development agreement with seasoned restaurant franchisees Livingston and Terri Chatman, marking the brand’s first expansion into the Sunshine State. Livingston, a notable University of Florida basketball alumnus, and his wife, Terri, bring more than 20 years of experience in franchising multiple restaurant concepts. The duo plans to open their first Dog Haus location in Tampa in late 2025 or early 2026. They are exploring potential additional sites across Florida in the years …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Mitsubishi Motors to Open First Retail Sales Gallery Dealership in Nashville Area in Early 2026

by Katie Lee

Franklin, Tenn. — In May 2024, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) outlined its North American-focused 5-year business plan, dubbed Mitsubishi Motors Momentum 2030. The plan outlines the company’s business and product plans that run through fiscal-year 2030. As part of this plan, the first Mitsubishi Motors retail sales gallery dealership will open in the first quarter of 2026 in Antioch, Tenn., southeast of Nashville. The new retail development opening in 2026 in Antioch, Tenn., will be located at 4230 Century Farms Terrace. Century Farms is a 300-plus-acre mixed-use master-planned …

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Whataburger Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

San Antonio — Whataburger has hired Jessica Reicher as executive vice president and chief operating officer. She brings more than 30 years of diverse restaurant leadership experience, with a proven track record of operational excellence, brand growth and people-first leadership. Most recently, Reicher served as president of Arby’s at Flynn Group, where she led over 360 locations across 10 states. Under her leadership, Flynn Arby’s consistently ranks at the top of the system on national benchmarks in sales and customer satisfaction. Her people development strategy resulted in industry-leading turnover improvements, …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Beyond, Inc. Changes Name to Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.

by Katie Lee

Murray, Utah — Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, buybuy BABY and a blockchain asset portfolio, will change its corporate name to Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., effective Aug. 29, 2025. The renewed brand combines its billion-dollar www.BedBathandBeyond.com platform with localized, capital-efficient stores. The Bed Bath & Beyond comeback is underway with its first store conversion in Nashville, Tenn., which has experienced significant traffic and revenue alongside nationwide media coverage with a de minimis capital investment. Over the next 24 months, the companies plan to convert additional …

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SPB Hospitality Promotes Construction VP to SVP of Development

by Katie Lee

Houston — SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group and a leading operator and franchisor of restaurant brands, has appointed Robert “Bob” J. Fargo as senior vice president of development. Fargo first joined SPB Hospitality in 2023 as vice president of construction and design. In his new role, Fargo will lead all aspects of real estate, design and construction management for SPB Hospitality’s portfolio, including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada, Village Whiskey, Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse. He will be responsible for managing SPB’s national development …

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Diversified Foodservice Supply Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Vernon Hills, Ill. — Diversified Foodservice Supply (DFS), a leading provider of equipment, supplies and parts to the foodservice industry, has appoinnted Lev Peker as chief executive officer. Peker brings a strong track record of leadership and growth from the automotive aftermarket industry, where he excelled as CEO of PartsID and CarParts.com. There, he successfully scaled operations, enhanced customer experience and delivered strong financial results. His deep expertise in e-commerce, operational efficiency and system modernization aligns closely with DFS’s strategic priorities. While foodservice is a new space for him, his …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Burlington Unveils Reimagined Store Experience Across 21 Markets

by Katie Lee

Burlington, N.J. — Burlington Stores, Inc. is continuing to roll out its refreshed in-store shopping experience. This nationwide refresh is a part of the off-price retailer’s long term vision to stay aligned with modern shopping habits. Half of Burlington stores have already been converted, and all future new stores openings will feature the updated branding and a smaller, more efficient layout. Most remaining locations are expected to transition to the new format by the end of 2026. “At Burlington shoppers already know that they can find the very best values …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Bojangles Returning to New York City with 20-Unit Franchise Agreement

by Katie Lee

New York City — Bojangles, the North Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable breakfast and Southern-style chicken, biscuits and tea, has signed a 20-unit agreement that will bring the concept back to New York City. After a brief chapter in the city during the 1980s, this agreement marks the beginning of a new era for Bojangles in the city. The agreement, spearheaded by experienced restaurant owner and operator Habib Hashimi and Hashimi Holding Corporation, is expected to bring Bojangles to New York City over the next 10 years, with the …

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